My roommate was flying out to California to visit his girlfriend, and I was his ride to the airport. We saw a young father carrying his baby in a baby carrier, and he made a snide comment about how embarrassing it looked to carry his baby like that.
Did I mention my friend was a lifelong bachelor?
Long before I had a child or even met my husband, I knew that I want my husband to be one of those mums who carried his child around on his back (or chest) with a baby sling. Having an idea of what I wanted to give me a leg up when it came time to do the shopping, but I had several suggestions vetoed by my husband because they weren’t good enough for him.
While a lot of baby carriers are intended for a wide range of users, some carriers are target for children of a specific age. Much as how the Moby Wrap works with babies, this carrier’s geared for toddlers.
I was prepared, and I still didn’t have all the answers. That’s why I’ve created this guide so that you know what to look for in a carrier for your baby.
Things to Consider
Buying a baby carrier is a big deal. It is vital that your child feels swaddled, safe and protected. A good baby carrier is necessary not just for your baby’s physical well-being but their emotional well-being as well. With that said, here are some things you should try to keep in mind.
1. Front or Back
There are two basic ways you can carry a baby. You can have them against your chest or your back. Carrying them on the back can be convenient in some situations, such as grocery shopping or some other activity. However, when your child is on your chest, they can better hear your heart, which can help soothe them.
2. Material
Slings are made out of a wide variety of materials, from cotton to polyester and mesh. Obviously, you want to avoid any allergic reactions from the parties involved, but you should also consider how comfortable each material might be, both for you and your infant.
3. Adjustability
Whether you’re carrying your child front or back, there are different ways of carrying your baby, often even with the same product. In addition, your baby’s needs will change as they grow, which will require adaptability from your baby carrier.
4. Comfort
You don’t want to wear something that isn’t comfortable. If you try a baby sling and it just isn’t comfortable to wear, consider getting a different one. This applies to your child as well. If your baby seems fussy and miserable when she’s in the sling, you probably need a different one.
5. Price
Baby slings can vary widely in price, and a higher price tag doesn’t necessarily mean its the right product for you. Consider how much you expect to use a baby carrier before you commit to an expensive purchase.
QUICK OVERVIEW
The Best Baby Carriers
| Products | Features |
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EDITOR’S PICK
4.5 345+ 345+
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4.6 310+ 310+
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4.9 20+ 20+
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3.9 425+ 425+
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4.3 5,205+ 5205+
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While a lot of baby carriers are intended for a wide range of babies and toddlers, some carriers specifically target children of a specific age. Much as how the Moby Wrap works best with younger babies, this carrier from Lillebaby is geared for toddlers.
Under $50
Moby Classic Baby Wrap
Features
- 100% cotton
- Holds up to 33 pounds
- 10.00 x 8.00 x 8.00 inches
If you’re looking for a basic baby sling that keeps your baby swaddled close to your chest, you’re looking for the Moby Wrap. The sling is made of 100% cotton and keeps your baby tug and secure. This is the type of carrier my wife, and I bought when we were expecting our first child, and I love it.
It wraps around your body comfortably, and there are no heavy straps and no buckles that can break. It’s easy to wrap around your body, and the carrier fits parents of all sizes. Because the baby is wrapped so closely around your chest, it facilitates bonding both for the baby and child.
Because the baby carrier is made out of cotton, wearing it for a long time in the summer can get pretty hot. If you can get past this, however, this simple carrier is one of the best out there. It can carry children and toddlers up to 33 pounds and is suitable for newborns as well.
Baby K’tan Print Baby Wrap Carrier
Features
- 100% cotton
- Holds up to 35 pounds
- 8.07 x 3.54 x 8.46 inches
The Print Baby Wrap Carrier from Baby K’tan is a sturdy and multifunctional carrier. It can hold up to 35 pounds and there are no rings, buckles, or belts to complicate the process of fastening the wrap.
Due to its specific design, it enables moms to breastfeed while carrying their baby and allow for even weight distribution. Print Baby Wrap secures the baby in a safe position and it grows with your child. You can set it in 5 different positions.
The 100%-cotton fabric makes it easier to go through the summer heat as it’s completely breathable. Once your baby gets tucked into a womb-like position, you’re sure she will be fast asleep.
Infantino Carry On Carrier
Features
- Mesh and Polyester
- Holds up to 40 pounds
- 13.00 x 4.00 x 12.50 inches
A baby carrier doesn’t have to be expensive to be good, and the Infantino Carry On Carrier is a perfect example of this. This no-frills carrier is both comfortable and affordable and offers three different positions for baby carrying.
Whether you want your baby to snuggle against your chest or face the world head-on, this carrier can accommodate that. A breathable mesh design keeps you cool, and lumbar support in the shoulder pads reduces shoulder pressure.
The carrier is suitable for babies up to 40 pounds and can be used as a backpack to carry your toddler when they get tired of walking.
The padded straps can be easily adjusted, and a bib is included to protects the carrier (and your clothes) from baby projectiles. It is also machine washable, so cleaning it is a breeze. If you’re looking for a quality baby carrier at an affordable price, check this one out.
Under $100
Ergobaby Embrace Baby Wrap Carrier
Features
- 79% Polyester, 17% Rayon, 4% Spandex/Elastane
- Holds up to 25 pounds
- 10.43 x 6.85 x 4.88 inches
The Embrace Baby Wrap Carrier from Ergobaby is made from the soft-knit mainly polyester fabric that supports both your baby and distributes her weight evenly with a supportive waist belt.
The carrier weighs only 1.5 pounds, so it won’t give you too much additional weight as you hold your precious one. It supports up to 25 pounds and has stretchable cross shoulder straps to provide the perfect fit for the parents.
What’s best about it is that it can roll up so you can store it when you don’t need it. It has 3 carrying modes and provides your baby with the biggest level of security.
LÍLLÉbaby Complete Airflow 6-in-1
Features
- 100% cotton, 3D mesh
- Holds up to 60 pounds
- 14.00 x 4.00 x 11.00 inches
While a lot of baby carriers are intended for a wide range of babies and toddlers, some carriers specifically target children of a specific age. Much as how the Moby Wrap works best with younger babies, this carrier from Lillebaby is geared for toddlers.
This carrier can be worn in three different positions and is suitable for babies 12-36 months, with a recommended weight range of 20-60 pounds.
The carrier is convenient, featuring both a removable hood and side pockets, as well as comfortable, with lumbar support for the shoulder pads, adjustable straps, and an extra-large torso that better distributes your child’s weight.
The carrier is machine washable, so it’s easy to clean when it gets dirty, and it provides plenty of room for your toddler. It’s a great carrier, but it’s a little bit on the expensive side. But if your toddler is outgrowing your old baby carrier, this is a good investment.
Under $150
Boba Baby Carrier
Features
- 100% cotton
- Holds up to 45 pounds
- 12.9 x 9.2 x 4.5 inches
The Boba Baby Carrier is a fine, comfortable baby carrier designed to last a long time. Unlike most baby carriers, the Boba 4G is rated for children up to 48 months, meaning you’ll get a lot of use out of it.The Boba Baby Carrier is made out of 100% cotton, so it is soft swaddles your baby closely.
It is made without the use of potentially harmful materials or dyes, making it safer as well. An infant insert is integrated into the design so that it can be used with newborns as well as older babies. It can be worn in two different positions and is rated for up to 45 pounds.
The Boba Baby Carrier is an ergonomic baby carrier has several pockets for convenient storage, and the straps are easily adjustable, making transferring the baby from one parent to another a cinch. It comes with a removable sleeping hood and is protected by a one-year warranty. You can’t go wrong with this carrier.
LÍLLÉbaby CarryOn Airflow 3-in-1
Features
- 100% cotton, 3D mesh
- Holds up to 60 pounds
- 16.14 x 2.36 x 10.63 inches
The first thing you’ll notice about the LÍLLÉbaby CarryOn Airflow 3-in-1 is that it’s adorable. It comes with three different panels that snap on and off, and it comes in five different colors.
In every other way, it functions as you would expect from a high-end baby carrier. It has several pockets available, including one for a sippy cup or bottle.
Under $200
Beco 8 Baby Carrier
Features
- Polyester, 3D mesh
- Holds up to 40 pounds
- 14.00 x 10.00 x 5.00 inches
The Beco 8 is a very nice, if somewhat expensive, a baby carrier that comes with a lot of different options, so you can customize the way you carry your baby. This carrier comes with a lot of little extras that can really improve your experience.
For example, it has a removable newborn insert, a removable sun hood, various optional lumbar supports for your back and shoulders, and it can be carried in four different positions. It even has a convertible mesh panel that can be removed in warmer months, making the carrier cooler for your baby.
The Beco 8 carrier comes with a rather high price tag, but if you have the money to afford it, you’ll love it. They go the extra mile by adding a lot of little things that make this carrier more, convenient, comfortable and personalized.
BABYBJORN Baby Carrier One
Features
- Polyester, 3D mesh
- Holds up to 33 pounds
- 14.00 x 2.00 x 23.00 inches
BabyBjörn is one of the best baby carriers on the market. It is durable, stylish and best of all, comfortable for both you and your child. The Carrier One from BabyBjörn has redesigned about a year and a half ago due to user feedback, and the current design is more comfortable and ergonomic than before.
Padded shoulder straps and a waist belt make the carrier more comfortable while also better-distributing weight. The carrier can be used in one of four different positions and is suitable for all children up to three years. It can even be used with newborns, and no insert is required.
This carrier has been recognized by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute for its ergonomic design that minimizes pressure on the hips. The Carrier One comes in 17 different colors and is machine washable as well. Unfortunately, it’s also a little on the expensive side.
Under $250
Pognae No 5 Outdoor Backpack Carrier
Features
- Bamboo fiber, organic melange
- Holds up to 33 pounds
- 12.60 x 10.83 x 7.48 inches
The Pognae No 5 is another soft, comfortable baby carrier. It is available in 22 different colors so that you can pick your favorite one. It were comfortable, ergonomic and made out of bamboo.
The carrier can be worn in four different positions. Its structured bucket seat keeps your baby safe and secure, and an extra-wide waistband and padded straps ensure your comfort while wearing the carrier. The carrier also provides a sleeping hood, protecting your child from the sun and providing more privacy while breastfeeding.
The carrier can carry any child between 7-33 pounds. It’s a very nice carrier, but I wish it could handle a larger baby, as it is a moderately expensive carrier.
Conclusion
As you have no doubt realized by now, there is no perfect solution for a baby carrier. Everyone has different needs, and expectations, and not every carrier fits every person or baby comfortably.
Remember, if you purchase a carrier and either you or your baby dislikes it, don’t be afraid to return it. Even if returning a product is a hassle, it’s infinitely preferable to having an uncomfortable baby. Happy shopping, and best of luck on your new bundle of joy!
